Local Politics

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Harwich and North Essex Constituency

Background of Harwich and North Essex

The postcode CO7 7BA is located in Harwich and North Essex, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Bernard Jenkin MP of the Conservative party.

Harwich and North Essex is a UK parliamentary constituency located in the East of England, covering areas within the county of Essex, primarily including the towns of Harwich and parts of Colchester. Established in 2010, it was formed from the former Harwich constituency with some additional areas.

The political history of Harwich and North Essex shows a strong Conservative dominance. The seat has been represented by Bernard Jenkin, a member of the Conservative Party, since its inception. Prior to the constituency's creation, its predecessor, Harwich, also leaned towards Conservative representation, with brief interruptions by Labour.

Demographically, Harwich and North Essex includes a mix of coastal, rural, and suburban populations. The town of Harwich has a significant maritime heritage and ongoing port activities, while the surrounding areas of North Essex feature a blend of agricultural land and commuter towns. The constituency generally has a predominantly White British population with a range of age demographics.

Economically, the constituency benefits from a combination of traditional industries such as shipping and agriculture and burgeoning sectors such as retail and services due to its proximity to larger towns like Colchester. This economic diversity provides a broad employment base for its inhabitants.

The electorate of Harwich and North Essex is varied, with many residents commuting to larger nearby cities for work, such as London and Colchester, influencing a certain suburban outlook within parts of the constituency.

Regarding Brexit, Harwich and North Essex showed a clear preference for leaving the European Union in the 2016 referendum. Essex as a whole recorded a strong Leave vote, reflecting a trend seen in many rural and suburban constituencies across England at the time.

Harwich and North Essex is a Conservative stronghold with a diverse economic profile and a predominantly Leave-leaning electorate.

Brexit

Did Harwich and North Essex vote for Brexit?

In 2016, the constituency of Harwich and North Essex voted in favor of Brexit. The area, with its rich history of fishing and maritime industries, has long felt disconnected from the decisions made in Brussels. Concerns over immigration and sovereignty played a significant role in shaping the attitudes of local residents towards the EU. Many felt that leaving the EU would give the UK more control over its borders and laws, ultimately leading to increased prosperity for the region. This sentiment of taking back control and regaining independence resonated strongly with voters in Harwich and North Essex.